Homemade Bread Rolls

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Introduction

These Homemade Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and incredibly delicious! Perfect as a side dish for dinner, sandwiches, or just slathered with butter, these rolls are simple to make and will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. With a golden crust and tender crumb, they are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday feasts. Once you try these warm, freshly baked rolls, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!

Ingredients Quantity

  • All-purpose flour: 4 cups (500g)
  • Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
  • Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Milk: 1 cup (240ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • Unsalted butter: ¼ cup (56g), melted
  • Eggs: 2 large, room temperature
  • Water: ¼ cup (60ml), warm (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • Optional: melted butter: for brushing on top

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast:
  • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  1. Mix Wet Ingredients:
  • In another bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk until well blended.
  1. Combine Everything:
  • Once the yeast is activated, add it to the milk mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

Kneading

  1. Knead the Dough:
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

First Rise

  1. Let It Rise:
  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping the Rolls

  1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  1. Shape the Rolls:
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on your desired roll size. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking the edges under.
  1. Arrange in a Baking Dish:
  • Place the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or a round cake pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

Second Rise

  1. Let It Rise Again:
    • Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.

Baking

  1. Bake the Rolls:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. If desired, brush the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Tips for Success

  • Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk and water are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. A temperature between 100°F (37°C) and 110°F (43°C) is ideal.
  • Kneading: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Recommendations

  • Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam. They also make great sliders or sandwich rolls.
  • Storing: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of these Homemade Bread Rolls that are sure to delight your family and friends! 🥖✨

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